Collagen has become a major ingredient category in beauty, nutraceutical and wellness products. Traditionally, collagen supplements are made from bovine, porcine or fish sources. That leaves a clear gap for manufacturers developing vegetarian and vegan products.
This is where Veg Collagen is gaining attention.
VC-H1 is a plant-derived collagen alternative made from Hibiscus sabdariffa. Unlike conventional animal collagen, it is designed around hydrolyzed plant peptides and is positioned for modern beauty and wellness formulations.
For Indian manufacturers, this opens up an interesting opportunity: creating collagen-focused products without using animal-derived raw materials.
What Makes VC-H1 Different?
The term “vegan collagen” can mean different things in the market. Some products are actually collagen-support formulas containing ingredients such as vitamin C, minerals, amino acids or botanical extracts. They support the body’s natural collagen production but do not provide collagen-derived peptides.
VC-H1 follows a different approach.
This ingredient is produced from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa and processed into hydrolyzed peptides. The material has an ultra-low molecular weight, with the documentation reporting approximately 316 Da and around 85-90% di- and tripeptide content.
This peptide-focused approach is central to the ingredient’s positioning as a plant-based alternative.
How Is It Prepared?
VC-H1 starts with Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle. The technical documentation identifies the calyx as the plant part used.
The plant material undergoes an extraction and hydrolysis process to obtain smaller peptides. The resulting ingredient is a powder designed for use in finished nutritional and beauty products.
The low molecular weight and high di- and tripeptide content are important formulation characteristics because peptides are a key part of the biological activity associated with collagen-focused ingredients.
RAWGA describes VC-H1 as a hydrolyzed plant peptide ingredient developed to provide a plant-based route for collagen-related applications.
What Are the Benefits of Veg Collagen?
The strongest advantage of VC-H1 is that its positioning is supported by human clinical research.
A 2025 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated 98 participants aged 35-60 who had dry skin and visible periorbital wrinkles. Participants received 1.5 g of VC-H1 per day for 12 weeks.
The study reported significant improvements in skin hydration, deep moisture and elasticity. It also reported reductions in transepidermal water loss, skin roughness and wrinkle-related parameters compared with the control group.
That makes the ingredient particularly relevant for beauty-from-within formulations targeting skin hydration, elasticity and visible signs of ageing.
The research also reported a favorable safety profile during the study period. However, the authors noted that larger and longer studies across more diverse populations are needed.
Marine Collagen vs Plant-Based Peptides
Marine Collagen is obtained from fish and is therefore animal-derived. A plant-based solution provides manufacturers with another route when vegan or vegetarian positioning is important.
VC-H1 also offers practical formulation advantages highlighted in the supplied product documents, including water solubility, clean taste, no noticeable odor and suitability for multiple delivery formats.
Potential applications include:
- Beauty and skin-health powders
- Ready-to-drink beverages
- Gummies
- Capsules and tablets
- Jelly or stick formats
- Functional foods and wellness products
This flexibility makes the ingredient suitable for brands looking to create differentiated beauty and nutraceutical products.
Origin & Certifications
According to the supplied technical documentation, VC-H1 is based on Hibiscus sabdariffa and is processed in Korea.
RAWGA’s current product information lists Organic, Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO and Vegan credentials, along with HACCP, ISO 22000, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
Manufacturers should always obtain and verify the latest certification copies, specifications, COA and regulatory documents before commercial use.
Source Veg Collagen in India
Looking for a reliable Animal Collagen Alternative for your next nutraceutical, beauty or wellness formulation?
AADI GIRI Private Limited is the Pan-India distributor of this ingredient.
We support manufacturers with FREE Ingredient Samples and NPD Assistance, helping teams evaluate the ingredient
Contact Us to request your free sample and discuss your formulation requirement.
Conclusion
The demand for plant-based nutrition is changing the way manufacturers approach beauty and wellness ingredients.
VC-H1 brings together a plant-derived source, hydrolyzed peptides, low molecular weight, formulation flexibility and human clinical research. For brands developing a 100% Veg Collagen concept, it offers an opportunity to move beyond conventional collagen-support blends and explore a differentiated ingredient platform.
For manufacturers in India, the next step is simple: evaluate the ingredient, test it in your formulation and assess its potential for your next product.
Faq’s
Is plant-based collagen really vegan?
It depends on the ingredient. Traditional collagen from bovine, porcine and marine sources is animal-derived. Plant-based collagen alternatives use different technologies and should be checked through their ingredient source and certification documentation.
What is the recommended daily dose of VC-H1?
The published human clinical study used 1.5 g per day for 12 weeks. Finished-product dosage should be determined according to the formulation, technical documentation and applicable regulatory requirements.
Is 100% Veg Collagen the same as conventional collagen?
No. Plant-derived collagen alternatives are not the same raw material as animal collagen. VC-H1 is positioned as a plant-derived peptide alternative designed for collagen-focused applications.